§ 11. Mr. Austinasked the President of the Board of Trade if, having regard to the importance of developing export trade, he will consider whether foreign buyers should continue to be left to their own devices in placing orders with individual firms as at present obtains or whether further facilities and guidance should be provided by instituting a Government export marketing agency, with full powers and responsibilities for canalising trade in accordance with the nation's requirements.
§ Mr. H. WilsonWhile export trade is conducted directly between United Kingdom firms and their overseas customers or their agents, a great deal of information and guidance is already provided by Government Departments, so as to ensure that these activities are conducted to the fullest extent in the national interest.
§ Mr. AustinIs my right hon. Friend satisfied that individual buyers from abroad, visiting factories are being given the treatment they deserve, with a view to helping the export market?
§ Mr. WilsonI have been very much concerned with this question in connection with some of the bilateral negotiations, but I am quite satisfied now that the facilities given are the best that can be given without giving some countries undue priority over others.